Musicscan: Could you perhaps tell us something about the intention and the spirit of Bloody Hammers when the band came to be in the beginning. Has the intention / the spirit changed until today? What kind of philosophy is the basis for what you are doing in 2014?

Bloody Hammers: I never really thought about it too much. If I had a mission it would only be to write songs that I like. I've been recording music at my home studio and self-releasing for a long time before Soulseller Records or Napalm found me. The difference between now and when I started is, it started with only me but now I have a band together and have taken it from only a solo studio project to a touring band.

Musicscan: People who got introduced to your band often were impressed by your “different” approach to heavy music. What do you think about statements like these and what is your approach towards music and being Bloody Hammers?

Bloody Hammers: I like to leave my brain out of the music creation process. Sometimes if you have to think too much that might mean the song isn't very good. I like to let things come from the subconscious as much as possible. To me it's all about the song and being true to whatever comes out of me naturally. I never try to analyze it in fear that I may scare it away.

Musicscan: Where do you guys see the line drawn between progressing on what you do well, and completely offering a new direction or sound? Especially in the context of your band of course. One thing is for sure: you are not that “typical” kind of a band. People have to be concentrated and to take time to get to what Bloody Hammers is all about…

Bloody Hammers: Listeners might be surprised when they see a name like Bloody Hammers and then hear it for the first time. It may not be quite what is expected. The songs are heavy, melodic, have psychedelic elements and are moody at times. It might be difficult to categorize, but if forced I call it “Southern Gothic Fuzz”.

Musicscan: Being around the scene for awhile as band with an own sound and an own identity: does it bother you when you see or meet people who ignore you or who have a different understanding of what your understanding of metal means to you?

Bloody Hammers: Not at all. It's important that I just focus on what I'm doing and not let any negative attention or lack of attention bother me. I live by the belief that, if I like what I'm doing then it's likely someone else will also like it.

Musicscan: Who is listening to Bloody Hammers? There isn’t something like a “typical” listener i guess...?

Bloody Hammers: Not really. We have people who primarily identify as stoner rock fans, others as gothic rock fans, and so on. The music has elements of different styles so the music draws just rock fans in general.

Musicscan: Under Satan's Sun is a pretty self confident record. It stands somehow outside competition due to the fact you are not following trends. True? What is your view on the album?

Bloody Hammers: As a music fan I'd say this is album is for listeners who want a fresh perspective on music with a dark theme. There are many bands with very extreme offerings vocally and musically. Bloody Hammers has a more nuanced approach to disturbing and mysterious subject matter.

Musicscan: In general: What fuels the fire and keeps you guys interested in the heavy music you create? And what are you looking for in your songs in general?

Bloody Hammers: The songs usually just come to me in the middle of the night, almost as if they are conveyed to me from some otherworldly source. Anything that flows naturally is kept. There are times when I lay out the groundwork of an idea, but if it starts to feel too forced, it gets trashed and I move on. Not all of the songs are heavy, and from my perspective that’s ok. My personal musical tastes are varied, and this is reflected in my work.

Musicscan: Do you somehow worry at this point after studio work has been done and you have to wait for the actual street date?

Bloody Hammers: There is quite a bit of anticipation for the release date. The guys at Napalm let us give a few teasers to the audience prior to the release, so that makes the waiting more tolerable. I feel strongly that “Under Satan’s Sun” contains some of my best songs yet, and I am excited to get it out to the world.

Musicscan: What are the feelings you get out of what you are doing with Bloody Hammers, and is there something you want the people / listeners to leave with?

Bloody Hammers: It's just something I have to do. For as long as I remember I just liked writing songs for my own personal therapy. They just pop in my brain and I have to get them out. I'll never release a song that didn't move me, so I want anyone else who hears it to feel the same. If they don't then we obviously have different taste in music and that's ok too.

Musicscan: Is there something like a “guiding line” listeners have to know about to get a better understanding of what you are trying to tell them with Under Satan's Sun?

Bloody Hammers: I live in a small town in the mountains of western North Carolina. Many of the songs on this album such as “Spearfinger” and “Moon Eyed People” (and more) are based on local mountain folklore. The listeners have an opportunity to explore these legends further if they are interested, but the inspiration was very local and organic.